How To Connect AirPods To A TV?
To connect AirPods to a TV, first verify your TV has Bluetooth capability (common in smart TVs produced after 2018). Enable Bluetooth in the TV’s settings menu, then open the AirPods case lid and press the pairing button on the back until the status light flashes white. Select "AirPods" from the TV’s discoverable devices list. If pairing fails, reset the AirPods by holding the case button for 15 seconds and retry. Note: Audio sync delays may occur—use TVs with Bluetooth 5.0+ for optimal performance.
What TVs support AirPods connectivity?
Most modern smart TVs (Samsung QLED 2020+, LG OLED 2019+, Sony Bravia 2018+) with Bluetooth 4.2+ support AirPods. Non-smart TVs require external Bluetooth transmitters. Check TV specs under "Sound > Bluetooth Devices." Pro Tip: Avoid using AirPods with 1080p TVs using legacy codecs—latency often exceeds 300ms, causing noticeable audio delays.
How do I troubleshoot failed pairing attempts?
Reset AirPods by pressing the case button for 15 seconds until amber/green flashes. Ensure TV Bluetooth isn’t connected to other devices. Distance matters—keep AirPods within 3 meters during pairing. For LG WebOS TVs, disable "SIMPLINK" HDMI-CEC controls which sometimes block external audio devices.
| TV Type | Pairing Success Rate | Latency |
|---|---|---|
| Smart TV (2023+) | 95% | 120ms |
| Bluetooth Transmitter | 80% | 180-250ms |
Avantree Expert Insight
FAQs
TVs typically prioritize power saving—disable "Auto Power Off" in audio settings. Interference from Wi-Fi routers or microwaves within 2 meters often causes dropout issues.
Can both AirPods earbuds work with a TV?Yes, but only if the TV supports Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP). Check specifications for "Bluetooth Stereo Audio" support—mono voice-only modes won’t enable both buds.